Artists, art lovers, friends, and newcomers to the Avenue! August First Fridays is extra special, along with shows, exhibitions, sales and events there will be outdoor market, live music, and a neighborhood Happy Hour. With over 14 local gallery exhibitions, more than 25 Artist Vendors and mural painting in the parking lot of 106 South Division there is something for everyone!

This summer the Avenue is joined by WYCE bringing music to our 106 South Division Stage. Bands include: Lipstick Jodi and Miss Atomic!

Artists who want to vend at the outdoor Market can register today! Just click on the Ticket URL below.

Also happening during The Market:

Art is a Drag – UICA, 2 Fulton St W
“Join UICA and artists Kaylee Britton (Salem Massacre) and Rachel Britton (Jack Dup) for a day-long celebration of the art of drag. Enjoy a live drag-show, multiple performances, and a behind-the-scenes look into how performers apply makeup to transform into their lively personas. Take part in the fun by dressing in your best drag ensemble and participate in a costume contest.”

Patterns – Bend Gallery, 40 Division Ave S.
“Tesselations, types of behaviors, shapes, and schedules are ways that patterns can be recognized through the world. This exhibition presents a national print exchange and exhibition organized by Bend Gallery which features the work of 12 artists. Each artist created an edition of 10 in. x 10 in. prints exploring the theme “Patterns” through a variety of printmaking techniques.”

Collateral Chaos: Anna Schierbeek and Rob Kangas – Spiral, 44 Division Ave S.
“New work and a short performance by Anna Schierbeek and Rob Kangas.”

Neighborhood Happy Hour! – 122 Division Ave S.
“Dwelling Place will be hosting a Neighbrohood Happy Hour:
– Enjoy locally brewed beer!
– Play Community Bingo and enter to win a Heartside Gift Basket
– Enjoy our patio view of live music!
– Enjoy over 50 Artist Vendors and 14 exhibitions along the Avenue for the Arts during August First Friday: The Market”
From 5PM-9PM

Excuse me. I have something say. Curated by Ashlee Lambart – Avenue for the Arts [Gallery] Space, 307 Division Ave S.
“”Excuse me. I have something to say,” features works by local and regional artists observing and commenting on the state of our current world. At a time when political talking heads are filling the air with nonsense, these artists have waded through the noise to touch on hot topics including education, environmentalism, disabilities, beauty, human interaction, the LGBTQA+ community, and more. Whether hard-hitting or subtle, these artists have something to say, damnit.”

August First Friday Mural Painting! – 106 Division Ave S.
“his summer our August First Friday, the Avenue for the Arts will be working with the UICA and some amazing young artists from Cook Arts Center to create a beautiful mural design that captures the essence of the Heartside Community. Cook Arts Center, located on Grandville Avenue focuses on celebrating neighborhood diversity, while collaborating with kids to unlock their creative potential and to help them shape their own identities. If you’re going to be out and about South Division on August 4th, you should swing by and see the awesome design created by these teens and the progress of the mural! This event is free and open to the public!”

Open Hours:
Vertigo Music
Smokin J’s Grand Rapids
Sanctuary Folk Art Gallery
Cerasus Studio
Parliament the Boutique
337 project space
Light Gallery + Studio
337 project space
The Pop Up shop-GR